St.
Philip's Singers is open to all adults with basic choral skills who
want to participate and who have a strong commitment to regular attendance and
willingness to practice outside regular rehearsals. This choir averages about
50 people. This group sings regularly at the 9:00 AM Sunday service as well as
special occasions and services. The Director of Music leads this choir with the
paid assistance of the Associate Director / Organist.
Canterbury
Choir is an auditioned choir consisting of about 18 trained musicians
who are willing to make the commitment to be at all major services, both Sundays
and Feast Days, and continue their musical training. This group sings regularly
at the 11:15 AM Sunday service as well as special occasions and services. The
Director of Music leads this choir with the paid assistance of the Associate Director
/ Organist.
Staff Singers are eight
paid professional singers who attend all rehearsals of both adult choirs and all
services of both choirs, helping to lead each voice section within the St Philip's
Singers and Canterbury Choirs, and singing solos as they are assigned.
St.
Nicholas Choir is comprised of boys and girls in grades 2 to high school
or through the voice change who practice weekly and sing at the Sunday worship
services twice a month. Currently there are about 22 members. Within the choir
are two Head Choristers and two Choir Officers who receive a small monthly stipend
to help the director. As well as practicing for Sunday services, the children
study from the curriculum of the Royal School of Church Music. Certain outstanding
members are sponsored to attend the summer RSCM conventions. Weekly rehearsals
include supper which is provided by a core group of parents and supported by donations
from the parents. The Director of Music supervises this choir with the help of
a paid assistant.
ASMP Choir provides
choral support for mid-week Evening Prayer services once or twice a month and
occasionally sings with the St. Nicholas choir during Sunday services. The Director
of Music supervises this choir with the help of a paid assistant.
Schola
Cantorum is a small group of auditioned adults who sing at the 5:30
PM Evensong service held once a month. The singers are volunteer altos, tenors
and basses with the sopranos being the more experienced trebles from the St. Nicholas
Choir. They meet before the service to rehearse four-part anthems. The choir sings
on various Feast Days and on special occasions. The Director of Music leads this
choir.
Bell Choirs round out St. Philip's
music program. The adult bell choir, about 8 people led by a volunteer, plays
in church six or eight times a year including during Christmas and Easter holiday
services. There are two training groups for young people who want to play bells.
The younger children practice with chimes and the older children with bells, and
both groups play at holiday services. The Director of Music is responsible for
overall supervision of the bell choirs and to expand this program.
For
a PDF of this list, click here.
